Cheongsam

The cheongsam, pronounced like /ˈtʃɒŋˈsæm/ is a one-piece Chinese style dress for women. Chinese people called it "qi pao" and also known in English as a mandarin gown. It's typically red. I don't know exactly when cheongsam first used but I know it was during the Qing dynasty. During the Qing dynasty, China was ruled by Manchu. Manchu women typically wore one-piece dress. It's what we call cheongsam these days. But the cheongsam worn by Manchu was not quite same as we have now. It doesn't look alike at all, actually. The original choengsam was wide and loose. It covered most of the woman's body, revealing only the head, hands, and the toes. After Qing dynasty fell, people transfered their old-fashioned cheongsam to suit their tastes. The cheongsam was tailored to become more form-fitting, slender, revealing like we can see it today.

Here is the evolution of cheongsam

Manchu (Original)

Present

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Picture Credits : http://www.allaeas.com/shown-beautiful-and-sexy-with-cheongsam-dress.html

Content Credits: Chinese book